Famed Actor Began Career in Sligo Shows

The recent death of Fair City actor, Brendan Cauldwell, evoked many memories of the halcyon days of amateur drama in Sligo, where, as a young man, the famous actor first took to the stage. Working in the insurance business in Sligo, Brendan became a popular member of the Sligo Unkown Players, appearing in many of their productions in the early 1950’s. One of his co-stars of those days, Eithne Dolan, remembers Brendan as a “marvellous actor” who was always destined for greater things. “It was a privilege to have played with him, and for his part, he never forgot that it was in Sligo that he began his acting career. “I spoke with his daughter after his death, and she said he frequently recalled with great fondness his days in Sligo”, Eithne said.

Brendan Cauldwell joined the Sligo Unknown Players in 1949 and acted in many plays such as “They Got What They Wanted” and “The Shadow of a Gunman” under the direction of the late Charlie Hughes at the Gillooly Hall. He also acted with The Bernadette Players, with the late Gerry Westby as producer, and gave a memorable portrayal of Heathcliffe in “Wuthering Heights”. After leaving Sligo, Brendan went on to thrill audiences all over Ireland with many performances on radio and televsion and in film. In recent years, his more memorable television appearances included Strumpet City and the RTE ‘soap’, Fair City, where he became known to a whole new generation of fans and admirers.

from The Sligo Champion, February 1st, 2006